Knoxville Chamber Launches 2022 Registration for Explore, Summer Program for Interns

How can the community encourage college graduates to start their career in Knoxville? Learning the answer to that question is one of the goals of Explore, a free program of the Knoxville Chamber that seeks to engage college interns and students with what the Knoxville region has to offer and to help them build a community of peers.

Tentative summer 2022 programming incorporates multiple professional development opportunities including courses on time management, leadership, and personal finance. In addition to scheduled programming, additional resources, conversation starters, and networking opportunities will be promoted in the group’s Slack channel.

Mattie Roediger, 2021 Explore participant said, “I really enjoyed getting to meet other young professionals in the Knoxville area at the event. Being a UT student from Murfreesboro has sparked a love for the Knoxville community in me and nights like this one truly solidify how much I enjoy this city!”

Companies are encouraged to sign up their interns versus the interns registering individually. “We know not all organizations can provide additional education and networking for their interns, so we hope they will use our program to increase the value of their internship,” said Lauren Longmire, director of regional enhancement at the Chamber. “Interns can be a valuable talent pipeline, and interns who see their employer pouring into their education are more likely to consider staying after graduation.”

“We need the support of businesses to encourage their interns to become acquainted with our area and to allow them to do so on company time,” added Longmire. “Our region’s economic prosperity relies on attracting and retaining young professionals, and businesses can participate in that effort by making Explore part of their interns’ experience.”

Companies interested in sending their interns to the Explore program can express interest using the form at www.knoxvillechamber.com/explore.